M’Baye Niang talks back on as Arsenal gear up for second bid

Arsenal have told Caen to name their price for 17-year-old striker M’Baye Niang, after re-opening talks over a deal.

Hot property: Niang (picture: AFP/Getty Images)

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger wants to add up to two new players to his squad before the close of the transfer window, and is keen to tie up a deal for Niang, who impressed on trial earlier this month.

The France Under-21 international is also being chased by Manchester City, Tottenham and AC Milan.

However, Niang reassured Arsenal last week that they are his preferred destination, and Wenger is hopeful of pushing ahead with negotiations this week, following his return from the club’s pre-season tour of Asia.

Wenger has already had one bid turned down by Caen, thought to be worth around £4 million up front, with lucrative bonuses taking the final fee close to £6 million, but has now returned to the table and asked them to name their price.

Caen had previously told interested parties that Niang would not leave the club for any less than £8 million, but his desire to quit after relegation to Ligue 2 looks to be telling.

Arsenal’s decision to move for the powerful teenager comes as the club prepare to offload flop strikers Nicklas Bendtner and Park Chu-Young, with both in talks over quitting the Emirates Stadium.

Wenger is eyeing Niang as back up, with Robin van Persie set to join Carlos Vela out of the exit door, while Benik Afobe is poised to leave on loan, leaving the Frenchman short on options up front.